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SINGAPORE: In an effort to discourage retailers from selling cigarettes, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) could increase retail licence fees for tobacco by September.
Currently, there are three kinds of licence fees, ranging between S$40 and S$270. This figure could increase by 30 per cent.
MediaCorp understands that the authorities could also impose stiffer penalties for those selling cigarettes to underaged smokers.
There are about 5,000 tobacco retailers in Singapore, half of them in coffee shops and they're likely to feel the pinch.
Thomas Foo, chairman, Kheng Keow Coffee Merchants, Restaurant and Bar-Owners Association, said: “The increase in licence fees is a big burden for us because we are a small business. We sell very limited cigarettes. But the licence can cost about S$300. So it's really a big burden.” - CNA/vm
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